The Nitty Gritty

Being married to a musician definitely has its ups. When I first met my hubby, Isaac, he wasn't sure what he wanted to do for a career. He knew that he loved music and that he was good at it. His vocal teachers encouraged him to pursue a career in vocal performance, but we were worried about taking that path because it wouldn't provide a steady income and we'd have to buy a private insurance plan. (Side note: Diabetes sucks, but it has really helped us make smart long term decisions). So, he decided he wanted to teach music, specifically teach Jr. High choir. During his undergraduate studies, he was a member of the University of Utah Singers. The choir director was one of the very best and the choir quickly gained a reputation for their quality sound. Word came that the choir would be competing in an international festival in France. Isaac told me I could come too. I signed up to substitute while I was off track to earn my way to go. My dream of seeing that part of ...

This year Isaac received an awesome birthday present! Two days before his birthday, the people that plan the Jazz game stuff (obviously I don't know an official title for that job) asked The Crimson Five to sing the National Anthem at the Jazz Game on the same day as Isaac's birthday. It was also the Jazz v. Lakers game so it made the opportunity even more exciting. Unfortunately, the Jazz lost by 3 in overtime, but it sure was an exciting game to be at! Of course The Crimson Five did an incredible job on the anthem. I was worried I wasn't recording so that's why there are two videos and why some of the lyrics are omitted. My bad! Sorry! Happy Birthday Isaac! You're the best daddy and husband!

I am officially 30! I've been thinking about it all year long and how exciting it would be. I knew it would be a good birthday because of where I am in my life. I'm so grateful for my children and husband. I'm grateful for my education and for the opportunities I've had during my 20s. I am confident in who I am, I know what I want in life, and I don't have to worry about the major life decisions (career, spouse, family, etc.) anymore. I get to face new challenges in my thirties and watch these two little rascals grow up. Very exciting indeed. Along with the birthday festivities these last few weeks, my family has embarked on some new adventures. One is that I accepted a part-time job at Isaac's school to run the homework hall after school. It is very part-time, just 6 hours a week and I am really enjoying it. I love having something to do in the afternoon that is teaching-oriented and love that Isaac can be with the boys since it is after school. We have a sm...

I loved Summer 2011! The weather was bearable except for probably 2 weeks in August. The local city park passed out free sack lunches everyday for kids 18 and under so the boys and I tried to go as much as we could. It was so convenient to just throw the picnic blanket in the car and know lunch was waiting at the park. Going to the playground a few times a week was great practice for Will. He finally went down the big slides by himself and improved his climbing skillz. He is very cautious so I'm glad he is mustering up some courage. Other great things about this summer were: Family Fitness Day in Ogden. Isaac and I walked the 5K. He pushed the boys in the stroller and won first place for the male division. I won second place for the female division. It was my mother who won first place. She beat me by 24 seconds! Later she apologized for winning. Thanks for rubbing it in Mom! Ha! Seeing cousins and great grandparents at Uncle Terry's. We don't get to see the Bickmor...

Remember Army Crawlin ? It is awesome and when Van started his army crawling weeks ago, Isaac decided to make a sequel, Army Crawlin II. Unlike most sequels, it is excellent. Enjoy!

Happy Father's Day to the best daddy in the whole world! Van loves his "Da-da". He loves it when Daddy cuddles him and lets him sleep on his chest. Will loves to play "ghost" and "pillow in the face" and looks forward to riding dad's back to bed each night. Happy Father's Day to Grandpa Steve! Aren't these cute picture of his Utah grandsons? Today on our way back from Orem William said at least five times "I want to go to Grandpa Steve's house." I said "Sorry Will! Grandpa lives in Louisiana and you have to ride an airplane to get there and it costs like a thousand dollars." He let out a sigh of despair and said "Dangit!" We couldn't agree more. Also, Happy Father's Day to my dad! I miss you more than ever today, but it's comforting to know you are in a better place swelling with pride admiring your children and grandchildren.

The thing I LOVE about healthy kids is we can get the heck out of town and have some fun. In February I renewed my pass to the aquarium and we have been back twice. Will loves the bullfrogs and the crocodiles. He also loves to crawl in and out of the caves in the Coral Reef Community. Isaac had a four day weekend in February so we spent one morning at the Dinosaur Museum (aka Museum of Ancient Life). There are tons of hands on exhibits, lots of dinosaur bones, and a scary T-Rex 3D IMAX movie. Will was in heaven and has asked to go back everyday since. He has also been roaring up a storm and wants me to read Curious George at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum before his naps. Trish and Garrett joined us for part of the adventure. Here's Will with Garrett roaring in front of T-Rex Mom and Will in front of the Utah Raptor One of the hands-on exhibits Dad and Will standing underneath the Brontosaurus When it's cold or snowy out we like to go to the local Arctic Circle a...